Cyrano de Bergerac began as a play written by Edmond Rostand back in 1897. The main character – a poet, romantic, and swordsman – falls in love with Roxanne, a beautiful lady. But Cyrano’s appearance (a bulbous nose) keeps him from romancing her. Instead, he decides to help Christian, a handsome young man, woo Roxanne by writing dialogue, poems and letters for him to use in his courtship. Needless to say, complications ensue.

Several Cyrano movies have been made. The ones I am familiar with include: a 1950 production co-starring Jose Ferrar and Mala Powers; a 1987 film titled Roxanne with Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah; and a 1990 French offering with Gerard Depardieu and Catherine Deneuve. The Roxanne release takes place in modern times, and the Cyrano character is a poetic fire chief named C.D. Bates. It’s no surprise that Martin wrote the comic screenplay.

But the best comes last! It’s Cyrano, a MUSICAL co-starring Peter Dinklage and the awesome Haley Bennett with an original music score by Bryce Dessner and Aron Dessner. And, you guessed it. Dinklage sings so well it goes right to the heart. Directed by the creative Joe Wright from an adapted screenplay by Erica Schmidt, this eagerly awaited MGM film opens in late February (2022).     

I sing, not to hear the echo repeat, a shade fainter, my song! I think of light and not of glory! Singing is my fashion of waging war and bearing witness. And if my song is the proudest of songs, it is that I sing clearly to make the day rise clear! --- Edmond Rostand